Beantown represented at Atlanta Cup

BOSTON, MA: This past week the US Women’s National Rugby team assembled in Tigertown, Florida to play two international matches against Canada and sustained with a loss on Tuesday, but emerged victorious on Saturday.

Amongst the ranks of the US Eagles were six of Beantown’s very own: Sharon Blaney, Emilie Bydwell, Melanie Denham and Kittery Wagner (all from Watertown, MA), along with their teammates, Jamie Burke (Dover, NH) and Mari Wallace (Jamaica Plain, MA), helped the US battle through two very close contests.

The first match played on Tuesday, January 12th, went to Canada, who fought back in the second half of the match to overcome an early lead by the US, ultimately winning 18-8.

The loss did not sit well with the US team, who eagerly awaited their rematch on Saturday, January 17th. With their fans in the stands and over 3600 watching online, the US did not disappoint again. Newfound aggression and commitment to defense meant the Eagles held Canada scoreless through the first half. The US broke the stalemate in the second half, capitalizing on two Canadian penalties thus leaving the score at 6-0.

Canada struck back with a 5 point try. But the US answered again with their speedy wing touching it down in the corner.

The score was 11-5 to the US, but the drama was just beginning. On the last play of the game, Canada managed to out number the Eagles and score a try to end it. The try made the score 11-10 and the victory hinged on the Canadian conversion. Fortunately, the woeful kick went wide and the US was victorious!

“Watching the Beantown Eagles play against Canada on Saturday made me proud to play rugby. It was truly inspirational,” said Beantown RFC President, Monica VanBuskirk.

The win was Jamie Burke’s 22nd international cap, placing her in the top 10 most capped players in U.S. women’s rugby. Burke’s experience and the efforts of all our local players were a major part of the victory.

Sharon Blaney, known for her formidable size, showed the Canadians that she has speed too – blowing past them on several occasions and leading the US down the field.

Mari Wallace and Kittery Wagner did their part to secure regular US possession in the set piece and were equally devastating in loose play.

Melanie Denham’s trademark tenacity was a thorn in Canada’s side, stealing possession and stopping Canadian attackers in their tracks.

In the back line, Emilie Bydwell held the skilled Canadian back line at bay and helped launch several Eagle scoring opportunities.

All of the players are looking forward to the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup being held in London from August 20th – September 5th, and we wish them the best of luck on the way! Keep an eye out for them, working hard at the local gym and track, and pursuing their dream of World Cup glory.

Beantown Rugby Football Club was founded in the fall of 1976 and quickly established itself as one of the nation’s preeminent women’s rugby teams. We have compiled an impressive record at the National Championships Tournament: in 24 consecutive appearances since 1980, we have placed 6 times at first, 7 times at second, 7 times at third, 2 times at fourth, and 3 times at fifth.

For more information about Beantown RFC and our stellar squad of athletes, contact the team’s Press Secretary, Sherry Cheuk at beantownrfc AT gmail DOT com or the President, Monica VanBuskirk, at president AT beantownrugby DOT com.

For more information on the Women’s National Rugby Team, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/women_eagles.

For more information about the IRB Rugby Women’s World Cup, please visit www.rwcwomens.com.